Honored to Be Named FCBIA's 2025 Young Professional of the Year

When I earned my real estate license back in the fall of 2020, I had no idea where this path would lead. I just knew I wanted to work hard, take care of people, and build something meaningful in the community I call home. So to stand in a room full of Frederick County's most talented builders, developers, and industry leaders and be named the 2025 Young Professional of the Year by the Frederick County Building Industry Association (FCBIA) is a moment I will carry with me for a long time.

I am incredibly honored and humbled by this recognition. To be acknowledged by an organization that represents some of the most dedicated, respected professionals in our industry is not something I take lightly. The building and real estate worlds are full of people who work tirelessly to strengthen our neighborhoods, create opportunity, and shape the places we live — and to be counted among them means more to me than I can put into words.

A Night to Remember

This year's Awards Gala was especially meaningful, because I had the privilege of co-hosting the evening alongside Dani Adams. Together, we got to celebrate the people, companies, and projects that continue to move Frederick County — and the surrounding region — forward. There's something powerful about pausing to recognize the work happening all around us, and I was grateful to play a part in honoring it.

A sincere thank-you goes to Jerry Connelly for presenting me with this award. Jerry, your support and encouragement mean a great deal, and I'm thankful for the example you set.

It Takes a Community

If there's one thing this business has taught me, it's that nothing worth doing happens alone. As someone who has been fortunate to serve within FCBIA's young professionals community, I've seen up close how much this organization invests in the next generation of leaders — and how generously its members share their time, knowledge, and encouragement.

So this recognition isn't really about one person. It's a reflection of the relationships, the opportunities, and the experiences I've been fortunate to gain along the way. To my colleagues, clients, mentors, friends, and fellow FCBIA members who have supported me throughout this journey — thank you. You are the reason I get to do work I love in a community I believe in.

One of the ways that I give back to my community is with the annual Give & Grub event. Every year we take a day to collect food and raise money for those in our area who suffer from food insecurity.

For me, that's always been the heart of it. "Heart & Hustle" isn't just a tagline — it's how I try to show up every day. The heart is genuinely caring about the people I get to work with. The hustle is doing the work, again and again, to earn their trust. An honor like this is a reminder that the two go hand in hand, and that the effort is worth it.

Looking Ahead

I'm proud of the road that got me here, but I'm even more excited about what's ahead. I look forward to continuing to serve our industry, to give back to this incredible organization, and to help build an even stronger future for Frederick County and the communities I'm lucky to serve across Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

Thank you, FCBIA. I'm truly grateful.

Reed "the REALTOR" Jimenez, LPT Realty | Frederick, Maryland

Whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or just trying to figure out your next move somewhere across the DMV, my door is always open. No pressure and no pitch — just someone in your corner who's genuinely glad to help. Reach out anytime at (301) 991-8041.